Michael Frank

Michael Frank

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Gelman,

Thank you for your kindness and hospitality over this past weekend. It is truly amazing that even with the most tragic and heartbreaking circumstances, you welcome and accommodate myself and all of Jascha's friends with unbelievable generosity. You are both extraordinary people.

It is still so hard to believe. It's as if I am waiting to wake up from a dream or waiting for Jascha to call me and tell me it was just a big practical joke. But, as the days move on, reality is starting to set in, and acceptance is the only thing left to do.

I am writing this to express my love for Jascha and to tell you about some of the wonderful times Jascha and I enjoyed. I feel a little hesitant to send this to you both; for the time you receive this, you will probably be looking to try to move on with somewhat of a routine life again. So, I do not want these stories to make you sad, but I want you to know how much joy Jascha brought into my life and everyone he knew.

I first met Jascha as a freshman at college when we were both selected to be in the Tau pledge class of AEPi. We immediately clicked, and began hanging out daily. I felt so lucky to find someone who had so many similar interests to myself (which at the time was getting drunk and chasing after girls). We had so many great times during that pledge experience. He was truly my best friend. On our pledge trip to Boston, we sat next to each other on a crowded van for 16 hours each way. We laughed and smiled the whole way.

Sophomore year finally came around and needless to say, we were excited to be brothers and living in the fraternity house. Jascha and I shared the front rooms with Bernie, Brian, and Jared. It was during this year I found out what it was like to live with Jascha. I don't think he once ever fell asleep before 4 a.m. Sometimes I would come back to the fraternity house after a day of classes and he would still be in his pajamas from the night before, playing pool in the living room.

I think we all know he might not have put his studies at the top of his priority list. Instead, he put people as the biggest priority. That was his gift and his talent. He loved being around people and he was good at it. In return, everyone who met him easily had a huge attraction toward him. It was more important to Jascha to spend a night at the bar with his friends then it was to study for a mid-term. He did not want to miss out on anything.

Through junior year at Michigan, we were both becoming more established and this was true in the category of women. Jascha's appetite for food and need for variation and different experiences in dining was very similar to his needs in women. Girls loved Jascha.

They thought he was great-looking, funny, smart, sexy, and oh-so hard to get. He truly had a lifetime of experiences in the female category. And although most of these relationships never lasted more than a couple of weeks, these girls always remained his friend. I think Jascha loved girls too much to just stick with one. He also had so much intimacy with his family and friends that he did not need it from a relationship. Jascha will always remain a legend when it comes to women. At this time, he had introduced me to one of his friends from home, Stacy Ingber, and we dated for a short time. I remember nights where the three of us would cuddle in my bed and watch movies together.

Between junior and senior year, I joined the army in Israel. It was at this time he was at Tel Aviv University. We had so many unforgettable times in Israel. I remember how happy we were to see each other for it was six months since we had.

Senior year rolled around and Jascha was in his prime. He was so happy to be living with all of his buddies on Willard Street. It was that year he really gained tight and everlasting friendships with guys like Lance, Dorian, Matt, Jordan, Erik, Jeff, Jon and others. Although I did not live in the same house, we were still the best of friends.

Since college, we kept in touch on a monthly basis. I was always so excited to hear his voice on the telephone or to hang out with him when he came to New York. When he visited New York, it was always a special event. There were so many people who wanted to see him. Everyone wanted a piece of Jascha. He always made the time to see everyone, even if it meant not resting or sleeping.

I saw Jascha last about six months ago in Chicago for Alex's wedding. It was so great to see him. He seemed so confident, so happy and living life to its fullest. I spoke to Jascha about 5 times this past summer. He seemed the happiest I had ever heard him - enjoying his job, living on his own, and doing what he does best - having a great time. He was apologizing to me for not spending one on one time with me the last time he was in New York. We decided to make plans to go to Las Vegas next month - just me and him in the most fun city in the world.

Jascha and I had a friendship that will never be replaced in my heart. We had our own brand of humor, our own language. I remember once saying, "If I was deserted on an island and could only be with one person, it would be Jascha." What is amazing about Jascha is that there are so many friends of his who considered him their best friend. He was one of a kind. His death will change my life forever. He will always be with me in my heart. His death has taught me that life is a gift and to make each and every day count.

As I close this letter, I feel like there is so much I left out. I feel as if you both hopefully understand how much joy he's brought to so many people. Please share my memories of Jascha and smile with me that we were able to have them, even if it was for a short time. We all view you both, Judy and Sandy, as our friends. We will always be here for you if you need us. I'm so thankful for my experiences with Jascha. I feel his presence. I miss him and I love him.

Thank you for creating him.

With love, sympathy and friendship,

Michael Frank